By: Little Painted Lady

A few weeks ago while browsing through Twitter I came across a page called Little Princess Trust , when I read more about the company I couldn't help but feel emotional as a mum myself, This fantastic company provides real hair wigs for Boys and Girls across the UK and Ireland that have sadly lost their own hair through Cancer treatment. I jumped at the chance to donate my own hair straight away, without hesitation.

The challenge is, if you have 12" or 30cm of "hair to spare" then you simply cut off your pony tail or plaits on camera, then share the picture or video on-line using #Hairtospare, nominate 3 of your friends or family to do the same, and finally post your hair off to;

If however you don't have 12" , 30cm of hair to spare, then you can still help out, simply follow the#Nohairtospare campaign , Text WIGS01 followed by your donation amount to 70070, screenshot your donation, and share the picture online using #Nohairtospare , then nominate 3 friends or family members.

How I Helped:

It really is that simple , this tiny gesture can make such a massive impact on a child life.I decided to Donate 18" of my own hair to this fab cause, I also set up a just give donation page to help out as much as I could with campaign.

Here Are My Pictures:

After:

Such a huge difference but such a great reason to cut it all off, hope you all can get involved too, please do share your stories if you do on Twitter @DerryVibe or Facebook.com/derryvibe

You can't beat a Ulster Fry up in Northern Ireland, we do love it and it also helps if your reading this with a hangover it's so good after a night on the drink.After all 2016 is the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink, celebrating the very best in everything the country has to offer.

Like especially at weekends we want a break from all that healthy food malarkey and want something a little different, well we can help in search for the best Ulster Fry... So right here’s where you can have your say on the nation’s favourite breakfast location! Either comment on the post below, or tweet us @DerryVibe with your recommendations for the best Ulster Fry spot across the northwest.

What is An Ulster Fry?

For the uninitiated who may be wondering what the fuss is all about, the Ulster Fry is the breakfast that built a country.Until relatively recently the majority of the rural Irish worked long, physically demanding days on farms and needed a breakfast that would power them through till evening.These days, with most of us spending our days behind a desk rather than a plough, one of these every morning would be a recipe for a short but happy life.

But here at Derry Vibe we wouldn't recommend eating a fry everyday as it's alright for an occasional treat.

What's In It?

While each region of the UK has its own variation on the ‘Full Breakfast’, Northern Ireland does it best.In the perfect Ulster Fry you will find:

Sausages:

–The all-important main ingredient. Northern Irish pork sausages are plump, juicy and stuffed full of flavour.

Bacon:

Whether you go for thick-cut back bacon or streaky, it’s hard to go wrong with bacon. Because it’s, you know, bacon. Fried, or if you must, grilled, it should be crispy but not burnt.

Breads:

Perhaps doing more to set you up for the day than anything else on the plate, the Ulster Fry gives you two types of delicious bread.

Potato Bread:

Potato bread is made from potatoes, flour and buttermilk. Both are sliced crossways and the cut side is fried until golden. Quick note: if you’re in Coleraine or Ballymena, don’t be offended if someone offers you ‘fadge’. That’s what they call potato bread up there.

Black Pudding:

Ok, here we go! Black pudding, known as blood pudding in some quarters, is a blend of onions, pork fat and oatmeal. And blood. It’s not unknown for people to be a little put off by the thought of eating blood, but black pudding is utterly delicious. It’s also high in protein, zinc and iron and low in carbohydrates, so it’s practically a health food. (Apart from the high saturated fats and cholesterol. We said it should only be a treat!)

White Pudding:

With all the same ingredients as black pudding bar the blood, white pudding is equally tasty. Both black and white puddings are usually served in a traditional fry.

Tomatoes:

Good, crisp tomatoes, preferably off the vine, give a nice contrast to all the meat and breads, as well as livening up the plate with a splash of colour.

Fried Eggs:

Two runny fried eggs top off the ultimate breakfast. As with everything, sourcing the best ingredients is vital and the perfect Ulster Fry will have farm-fresh, free-range eggs to complement the dish. A Ulster Fry isn't a fry without fried eggs to add to the plate..

And that's our guide to best Ulster Fry up and if you know any secret places or somewhere we should try then leave a comment below and well go and give it a go..

Share Your Pancake Tuesday Photos With Us:

Share your photos of your Pancakes this Pancake Day. We'd love to see your creations.. You can share your photos on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and you can also email your best creations to us to feature in Derry Vibe.

​1. Weigh and sift the flour

First, start off by measuring out the flour.​Flour is not too expensive and you may even have some hanging about – basics flour will work just as well.

​Once you have measured it all out simply sift it through a sieve into a mixing bowl.

2. Break and Whip The Eggs

Next up in the path to pancake perfection is to make a well in the middle of the flour and break the eggs into it.Use a whisk or fork to whip the mixture together in the bowl. ​You might get some lumps but if you carry on mixing it’ll all work out alright on the night.

3. Mix it with Milk and Water

Watch out, here comes the hardest part, but it’s not even that hard.All you need to do is slowly mix in the water and milk mixture (and by slowly we mean pouring in little bits at a time).There will be lumps at the beginning but if you keep mixing then these should go away, we promise.

4. Melt butter in a pan

Once you have your pancake batter, you need to melt the butter in a pan. ​Then add about 2 tablespoons of it into the batter.You, your batter and your buttery pan are now ready to kick some serious pancake butt and get those edible delights cooking.

5. Cook and toss

Make sure that your pan is at a medium heat and add your first pancake, it’ll be a baptism of fire, honest!After about one minute you need to toss the pancake. This takes a small amount of skill and does come with some sticking to the ceiling liabilities but can be a real fun part of making pancakes.

PS. the first pancake usually always goes wrong so don’t worry if it’s a bit messy.

6. Cook a pancake mountain

Once your pancake is done to your liking you can move onto the next one until you’re all out of batter.

​​If any of the pancakes start sticking then you may need to add more butter or oil to the pan to carry on.

7. Finally Add Your Filling

Now we move onto the filling! This comes down to personal choice but you might want to try fruits, chocolate, honey, lemon or sugar.​Or even something really wacky like peanut butter or doritos but it's down to you to decide.

We hope you enjoy your pancakes on Pancake day and don't forget to share them with us...

By: Lynn Gilmour

Hi It's Lynn here and this is my first Themed Thursday Beauty Column For Derry Vibe, which I will be looking at the best beauty secrets every week and It's all about New Year New You this week and all about what we all be changing in our fitness and working off those Christmas cakes we ate over Christmas.

But I won't be talking about all that. Our New Year’s Beauty Column begins with looking good with an injection of caramel cool.

No! It's got nothing to do with your favourite toffee's you've eaten over Christmas. It's all about taken care of your beauty and here is my top tips:

For lips that really do the talking, try Maybelline Superstay 24 Dual Ended Lipstick in Crème Caramel. A superstay, longwear product that gives 24hr lipcolour.Or how about Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Burnt Caramel 75. The Elixir it contains is made up of skin emollients, conditioners and antioxidants in a formula that cares for and conditions your lips from the moment you apply it, smoothing their texture.Create a picture perfect base with L’Oreal True Match Foundation in Golden Caramel. The new vision of skin matching technology. With the finest pigments, invisible to the naked eye and a creamy ultra-gliding texture for a unique silky touch this gives you a natural finish. The new technology captures the undertones from warm, neutral to cool.And give good manicure with Collection Up To 7 Day Wear Nail Polish in 17 Milk Caramel, a long-lasting nail colour that will give you chip-free colour for about a week.

For More Beauty Tips I'll be posting more Beauty Tips next week. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more tips.

By: Amanda Chambers

In last few days of 2015 we been out asking what your New Year's Resolutions are for 2016? Maybe it's to go to the Gym more often or to eat more healthier meals, so we went out to find out your resolutions.

Every Christmas some of us see the end of the year and dawn of a new year as an opportunity to recreate, remaster and embody a new and improved version of our selves. The idea of ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ springs to mind and with it comes so many false promises to ourselves and idea’s of how to be a brighter, better and a brilliant ‘new’ person in the coming year. Do we really need New Year Resolutions? Are we just kidding ourselves or are there really some genuine and committed people out there who stick to their resolutions of ‘losing weight’ or ‘eating more fruit’ or the humanitarians out there who promise to give back to the community or volunteer. I’ve had the same three resolutions since I was eighteen #1 Lose Weight/get in shape #2 Be a better person # Become a published writer aka meet my career goals.

While most of the time I do try to aspire to these goals I often falter. In 2015 I did manage to lose two stone; I did then gain some of it back only to lose it again in the weeks leading up to Christmas due to sheer stress. I always try to be a better person every day, not always easy, but I try none the less; whilst I’m not exactly a bestselling author, I am getting published journalistically which is something to be proud of, but am I really fulfilling these self -imposed goals? After a few months, these resolutions fall to the background of our minds while the realities of twenty first century life living, work, social media and nights out take over. So what’s your New Year Resolution? I asked a few guys and gals on a Christmas night out, here’s what they had to Say…….

Kate:

Kate's New Year's Resolution is to ‘Give back’ to help others in New Year.

Kevin:

Kevin's New Year's Resolution is "‘Finally start driving, I need to get on the road’

Aiden:

Aiden's New Year's Resolution is "To pursue what I want and achieve it all this coming year’

Monika:

Monika's New Year's Resolution is ‘To dance more often’

Louise:

DJ Louise Da Coasta's New Year's Resolution is to "Give Back"

Sara:

Sara's New Year's Resolution is ​‘Work hard, quit smoking and take up exercise’

Steven:

Steven's New Years Resolution is ​‘To be a better father’

Rebecca:

Rebecca's New Year's Resolution is ‘To bring in the New Year happy and continue that happiness into 2016’

Decky:

Decky's New Year's Resolution was "​‘Spend more time outdoors’

We love hearing all your New Year's Resolutions if you got one you think we should feature get in touch with us but for now that's some of the people's New Year's resolutions that we asked round town this week.But for now wishing you all Happy New Year and look forward to bringing more stories to you in 2016.

By: Little Painted Lady

Hi Everyone with New Years Eve being just a day away I thought I would share with you 4 of my favourite party looks to see in the new year. ​Of course with it being New Years eve there is going to be loads of shimmer and glitter, but if your not into using alot of glitter I will also show you guys a few alternatives.

First up is a glitter smokey eye using purple/berry tones, my eyes are brown so I find that purple shades really make them stand out, but of course you can add the colours that suit your own eye colour. I have added individual lashes and some gel liner to finish the look. On my lips I have used a matte lipstick from sleek in the shade fandango.

Next is this ultra black smokey eye, this is one of my favourite night time looks, its so glam and super sultry, perfect for the party season, Here I have used peach tones to blend out the harsh edges of the black to soften the look and have added a pop of gold shimmer onto the tear duct for an extra little bit of sparkle, ( it is New Years Eve after all.)

​With this eye make-up being so dark I have chosen not to add black winged liner, instead I have popped black eyeliner pencil onto the water liner and blended this onto the lower lash line, To finish I added a few individual lashes and a tiny coat of mascara. On the lips is have model co in the smitten.

My Next look is this shimmer spotlight eye. Here I have used brown tones as transition shades, added darker tones of brown to define the crease then added this stunning pink/gold shimmer shadow from makeup revolution's naked underneath palette onto the centre of the upper and lower lid only to give this spotlight effect, again I finished off this look with some gel liner from benefit and a few individual lashes. On my lips I have Stila in the shade Anna.

Last but not least its This show stopper, this is a glitter cut crease using the same pigment from the first look only I have applied it with some lash glue to keep in place and to give it an ultra pigmented look, I have darkend the crease with a black shadow and blended it out to soften the look.

​I used eyeko fat liner in black to create a gorgeous winged liner then added false lashes and a coat of mascara to make this look extra glam!! on my lips I have Face of Austraila in the shade Urban Spice.

I hope you all enjoy trying these looks out for yourselves, if you would like to know any further details of the products that I have used e.t.c , just get in touch through Twitter , Instagram or Facebook

I want to wish you all A Happy New Year , I will be bringing in the new year with my family , but can we all spare a wee thought to those out there who may not be as lucky and I'll be back in 2016 with more Beauty Tips and more. Love , hugs and kisses from Little Painted Lady..

Whilst we where visiting Strabane yesterday. We were all feeling a bit peckish and wanted somewhere we could all sit and eat and maybe have a glass of wine or two. So after looking at various review sites we came across Caffe Fresco just in retail park area of Strabane across from Asda.

So we read so many good reviews of Caffe Fresco so we had to try it out. It's situated in retail park of Strabane. They serve different menu's throughout the day and evening and are opened later on Wednesday-Friday nights with a selection of Appetizers served including Soups, Breaded Garlic Mushrooms and much more offered on the menu. They also serve a early bird special menu from 3.00-6.30 which was one of the menu's we tried out. It looks a cafe from outside but is described by Caffe Fresco as "Fresco combines the inviting warmth of an established coffee house with the ambiance of traditional bistro dining at its premises in Strabane."

This was Southern Fried Chicken Fillet Burger which comes with lettuce, mayonnaise and choose of chips which I thought was very nice meal served with a lovely warm bun. If your a fan of chicken like I am and tried several chicken outlets and don't get quality. Well I can tell you this is a very nice Southern friend chicken and if chicken isn't your thing one of the others tried out Bacon and Cheeseburger, Relish, Salad, Coleslaw and had garlic chips which they described as tasty as ever.

So if your heading to Strabane or Asda? Then call into Caffe Fresco it's worth a try in retail park area of Strabane. Also they can hold functions or your office Christmas parties and have a catering service which you can call them on (028) 71 884901.

Don't forget to check out Early Bird Menu daily from 3pm-6.30pm which is only £12 for 2 people. We thought that was a great deal especially if your taken your other half or work colleagues out for lunch. Follow Caffe Fresco on Facebook for more Facebook.com/caffefrescostrabane

We also love to hear your feedback on Caffe Fresco and other cafe's and restaurants throughout the northwest.. Share your reviews by email or Facebook; Derry Vibe and Twitter @DerryVibe

Hi It's Little Painted Lady and it's so hard to believe that it is almost Christmas again , where has this year gone?But I know that If your a little like me, then panic will have kicked in by now ,about last minute gifts, what you still have to get, and who you still have to buy for...So this year I have tried to make things a little easier for you all, I have done up a Christmas gift guide for you all.These can all be purchased on Our very own highstreet, or If you cant face the stresses of the hectic Christmas crowds or cold weather, then all of these items are also available from their on-line stores.I have whittled it down these 3 stores, Boots, Semi-Chem and Superdrug.For each Store I have selected 9 products and placed them into catagories of 3 Luxury , 3 pamper and 3 Budget and I have given you both Male and female options just to make it that little bit more stress free for you all. I have also added a link for each item.

Hi it's Little Painted Lady and this week we take a look at Running Apps for fitness.I was so chuffed when I was contacted by the lovely Arya ceo and co-founder of Heat Running and asked to trial a new fitness app that they had created, of course I jumped at the chance....​The Heat Running app is the first competitive and social running app that is available, this app allows runners of all levels to compete in races/marathons or just leisurly runs against each other, combining competition, gamification, fitness and motivation all into one of the most exciting app that I have ever seen on the market.

So i tried the Heat Running App on my phone in which this fabulous app was set up by two personal trainers Arya Farzin and Joesph Phillips, Ayra's own struggles with obesity and the fact that he had realised that no other running app provided the motivation and support that had helped him to loose 200lb had encouraged them to put together this genius idea. they both set out to create a unique app that provided a level of competition and motivation that was previously unavailable.Heat Running app is the only app that allows and actually encourages direct competition among its users by adding a social component instead of a computer generated one as most other running apps do. This app creates a virtual racing environment that allows you to enter head to head competitions, bringing out your competitive side of course.

Bringing a social element to running some-how made me so so competitive,I mean in no way was I a runner before taking part in this trial, I secretly hated the thought of running to be quite honest, but once I actually started using the app and started competing against others I found myself starting to enjoy it and even looked forward to my runs each evening just to try and better my own times.One of the apps mottos is "unlock your animal" urging you to go from an egg to eventually a cheetah, and by god I did (hahah) I was like an animal possessed by the end of it all and god only knows what people where thinking that had seen me when i was out on a run because I was doing victory dances and all when I had won, not a pretty sight let me tell you that.

By making running into some sort if a game the Heat Running app slyly fools you into making running fun and more approachable for little beginners as myself, but this app would sit well even with professionals like athletes as-well.These guys have a fantastic following on their social media sights, why dont you join the other 49.9K and give them a little like or follow on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. Heat Running is currently available for download on Apple App store